Lets Make it a Safer Summer
16 Jul 2010
With the summer season now well underway the police say that they will be carrying out regular patrols of our beaches to make sure people’s behaviour is acceptable and that drivers are maintaining the highest safety standards.
Neighbourhood Constable Kyle Millar had this message for beach goers. He said, “The sun, sea and sand are an irresistible combination and there is no doubt that we are spoiled for choice having glorious beaches in the coastal resorts of Downhill, Castlerock, Portstewart, Portrush and Portballintrae.”
“The beaches attract thousands of visitors but it is important that people don’t relax too much or ignore the benefits of crime prevention. Remember to look after your belongings, and only bring essential items so that you don’t have to leave anything unattended in your car.”
“Motorists driving onto any beach need to be very aware of people crossing between rows of parked cars and the sea, and must always drive at a speed that ensures the safety of others.
“I want people to have a really great time here in Castlerock and in the neighbouring seaside resorts too. Police will be regularly patrolling the beaches, and sand dunes in an effort to ensure that everyone has a safe and enjoyable stay.”
“The sea can be a dangerous place so parents need to keep a close eye on their children at all times. Never swim after a football or other inflatable that is being blown out to sea as you will never catch up with it and you could suddenly find yourself out of your depth, in real trouble, and at the mercy of the tidal currents.”
“Beach barbeques are a regular sight too and I would ask people to think carefully about where these are sited as it only takes a hot ember or a spark to start a major fire. Always have a large bucket of water at hand to extinguish it.”
“This part of the coast is also a popular spot for fishing and I would ask enthusiasts to find out the times of the high tides so that no one ends up cut off from the shore. I would also urge people not to use the railway tunnels at Downhill as a short cut to a favoured vantage point as this would clearly be an extremely foolhardy and ill-advised thing to do,” warned Constable Millar.
If you notice something that raises your suspicions in any of our coastal resorts or see a car being driven erratically on the beach, write down the details and phone the police straight away on 0845 600 8000. In an emergency always dial '999'.
Coastguard Sector Manager Gordon Munro offered this important advice He said, “We would like everyone who visits our coast to have a great time too. So before you go check out the weather and the tide times which can often be found at the entrance to the beach. That way you can ensure that the tide doesn’t take you by surprise and that you don’t get cut off.”
“Inflatable boats and toys can be great fun, but we'd rather that you used them in swimming pools than at the beach. If you do use one at the beach, make sure that it is tethered to an adult and never use it if there is an offshore wind. Inflatables can so easily be blown off shore, then overturn.”
“Make sure that children are supervised properly by adults. We deal with numerous cases of lost children every year and it can be very distressing for children and adults alike.”
“Do not climb cliffs as they are unstable, rocks or you, could fall and cause injury or worse.”
“Try to go to a beach that has lifeguards if you can and stay within the flagged area.”
“If you notice that someone is in difficulty, either alert the lifeguard if one is available or call the Coastguard on 999.”
Bill Wilsdon, Coleraine District Commander, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) added - “We want everyone to enjoy the countryside this summer but unfortunately at this time of year with dry, warm conditions we do see an increase in gorse or grass fires in the countryside. While many of these are started deliberately some are started accidentally through carelessness and so we are asking people to be vigilant when out and about in the countryside and to remember that fires can easily start.”
“I would remind people to extinguish cigarettes properly and never throw cigarette ends out of car windows, only use barbecues in designated and safe areas, never leave them unattended, keep children and ball games away from barbecues and ensure that barbecues are fully extinguished and cold before disposing of their contents. Do not leave bottles or glass lying in grass areas as sunlight shining through glass can start a fire and do not start open fires in the countryside. If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service and don’t attempt to tackle fires that cannot be put out with no more than a bucket of water.”
Local Translink Manager Frank Moore said: “Safety is a top priority for us all year round. Longer days and better weather encourage more people to get out and enjoy outdoor activities. We would appeal to parents and carers to be aware of where their young people are and what they are doing. Activities such as playing on or around railway lines or in train stations may seem like innocent fun but can have serious consequences and we call from the support of the wider community to impress on young people the dangers of this kind of behaviour.”
“We work in partnership with a range of local community groups and have targeted young people through schools in order to help us get important safety messages across.”
“Local community groups, parents and schools can view Translink safety resources and messages at www.translink.co.uk/community. Young people can also learn ways to get safety smart, for a carefree and enjoyable time using the Translink ‘Travel Safe’ DVD and learning pack available from local bus or rail managers.”
“No-one can afford to completely switch off during their holiday, and I would encourage everyone to take heed of the advice on offer and to refrain from taking unnecessary risks. Let’s make this a safer summer,” concluded Constable Millar.
